By DPA
Islamabad : At least 20 armed supporters of a pro-Taliban cleric were killed Thursday as gunship helicopters and artillery pounded their positions in Pakistan’s northwest Swat Valley, the military said.
“Today gunship helicopters targeted militant positions north of Kabal and Kuza Bande,” a statement released on the website of the army’s Inter Services Public Relations said.
“In both these actions, local sources and militant communication intercept reports have confirmed that eight militants were killed and their ammunition dump and mortar positions were destroyed,” it added.
In another incident, the military launched an attack against the rebels in Alpurai town, which was seized by the extremists Tuesday, with artillery and mortar fire. At least 12 militants were killed in the action.
Islamabad sent additional troops to the region in late October to put down the rebellion instigated by radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah.
Scores of people, including soldiers, have died in more than two weeks of violence.